Coffee: the brands worth spending your money on
With the average price of coffee up 13.2% this year (according to Kantar data), consumer habits within the category are understandably changing.
Some are giving the increasingly expensive habit up altogether, others are trading down to cheaper brands, and some are even switching to *gasp* instant…
In my case, as a self-confessed coffee addict, going cold turkey just isn’t an option. I would rather give up any other indulgence, including alcohol, than my three daily caffeine hits.
Instead, I am making it my mission to only drink the best coffee available. I choose to spend my money on quality, and with brands that have more than a little purpose.
If you too are a firm believer that giving up coffee is the easiest shortcut to an unhappy life, you might want to read on for my little round-up of 2023’s brightest coffee stars.
Pact Coffee
Committed to direct trade with farmers and paying great prices, Pact wants to make great coffee whilst also making life better at source. They really want the entire industry to become fairer and more sustainable and for that, we salute them.
Café Direct
As a social enterprise, Café Direct is all about giving back to the farmers. In fact, over the past 30 years, they've given away over £7m through their sister organisation, Producers Direct. B Corp certified, Fair Trade and Soil Association certified, they are dedicated to "Better lives, better planet, better coffee".
Fireheart
Seasonal, small-batch coffee roasted to order in North London and posted nationwide in fully recyclable packaging. These guys pay farmers 50% more than FairTrade prices and are committed to a transparent supply chain.
Land Girls Coffee
This Coffee is from Ketiara, a Women-led Coffee Cooperative in Sumatra, Indonesia, dedicated to helping women support their families. Available to purchase via, Land Girls, which is an online farm shop dedicated to nurturing female farmers and producers. A big thumbs up from me!
Finally, for those of you exploring the instant coffee route, I can recommend Little's. They're independent, family-run, use plastic-free jars, and create high-quality, flavoured instant coffees.
In conclusion, the 13.2% rise in coffee prices is not just a statistic; it's a call to adapt, innovate, and reevaluate our relationship with this beloved beverage. As we, the consumers, navigate this new normal, the coffee industry is presented with opportunities to engage, educate, and cater to evolving tastes and preferences. Whether it's through sustainable practices or unique flavour profiles, the world of coffee is brewing changes that go far beyond the cup.